Originally opened in 1959 as Oakridge Centre, the mall was developed by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) on a then-undeveloped 32-acre forested site at West 41st Avenue and Cambie Street. Built with a construction budget of $25 million, the open-air shopping centre became Vancouver’s first major mall, anchored by the Woodward’s department store and surrounded by 2,500 surface parking spaces.

Related story: International Fashion Gala: Ode to elegance

Walking through the front doors of the new Oakridge Park reveals just how much Vancouver has evolved over the decades — from a quiet forestry town into a global city preparing to host FIFA and attract visitors from around the world.

Offering a luxury shopping experience

The all-new Oakridge Park is centred entirely around luxury retail. There are no fast-fashion outlets here. Instead, shoppers stroll along expansive granite floors lined with brands ranging from local favourites such as Lululemon and Aritzia to prestigious European fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Brunello Cucinelli, and Bvlgari.

Surprisingly, several luxury boutiques, including Dior, were still not open despite the redevelopment having been underway for more than a decade. Most remaining tenants are expected to be operational by the fall.

Inside the mall, suspended glass art installations hang overhead, including a small indoor amphitheatre with church-style wooden pews that provides space for live performances and cultural programming.

Time Out Market

Located above the shopping centre is the new Time Out Market, the internationally recognized food hall concept founded in Lisbon with locations around the world. My most recent visit to a Time Out Market was in Barcelona last year, and stepping into the Vancouver location immediately brought back memories of enjoying authentic Spanish paella.

The food hall promises an elevated culinary and cultural experience, featuring cuisine from some of the city’s top chefs. Visitors can choose from 18 kitchens, three bars, a coffee shop, and a main stage dedicated to arts and cultural events.

Dining here, however, comes at a premium. The Le Croc burger from Feenie’s starts at $27.99, add foie gras, port wine jus and truffle fries, and your tab climbs to $72.96, not including tip and tax.

Most seating consists of large communal bench-style tables accommodating up to 1,000 guests. During the summer months, visitors can also dine outdoors on the rooftop patio while enjoying some of Vancouver’s best people-watching.

Luxury fashion and dining converges at Oakridge Park

Oakridge Park’s upscale retail tenant mix targets affluent shoppers and has historically posted the highest sales per square metre among malls across Canada.

Strategically located between downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport, with access to the Skytrain, Oakridge Park appears well-positioned for long-term success despite a recent slowdown in global luxury goods spending.

Beneath the mall are 2,000 underground parking spaces, including 200 electric vehicle charging stations. Valet parking is available on the P1 level at both the north and south atriums, while the first two levels of underground parking remain free for up to three hours.

The Oakridge Park redevelopment was approved by the City of Vancouver in 2014 as a then-$1.5-billion project. Since then, it has expanded into a $5-billion development that includes five luxury condominium towers nearing occupancy, future office towers, and a proposed street-style shopping district still awaiting a construction timeline.

From luxury fashion to contemporary streetwear, Oakridge Park aims to bring together some of the world’s most established and innovative names in fashion. Vancouver has certainly grown since its beginnings. 

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Related story: Runway to Runway: Fashion takes Flight

Founded in 2017 by David Chen, the event was born from a deeply personal journey marked by loss, resilience, and gratitude. After losing his wife to cancer in 2012, Chen sought a meaningful way to honor her legacy while giving back to the community that supported him through unimaginable hardship. What began as a tribute has since evolved into one of Vancouver’s most inspiring cultural showcases.

Since its inception, the International Fashion Gala has grown into a vibrant platform celebrating diversity, artistic excellence, and emerging talent. Each year, it brings together acclaimed designers, performers, artists, and audiences from around the world. Creating a dynamic intersection of fashion and culture.

This year’s gala will gather elite designers, cultural icons, and creative visionaries whose collections reflect stories of heritage, perseverance, and identity. 

Yet beyond the runway, the evening carries a deeper humanitarian mission. In partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation, the gala will help launch a $50 million fundraising campaign to support Canada’s first next-generation clinical scanner — a transformative advancement in cancer care and research.

International Fashion Gala

By merging artistic expression with philanthropic purpose, the International Fashion Gala demonstrates that true elegance extends far beyond aesthetics. It is found in compassion, community, and the power to uplift others. More than a celebration of beauty, the gala stands as a catalyst for change. A reminder that fashion can inspire not only admiration, but action.

On May 30, guests will gather at Christ Church Cathedral to celebrate courage, creativity, and the enduring belief that style with meaning can help reshape the world.

International Fashion Gala

Christ Church Cathedral

May 30, 2026

Tickets Eventbrite

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Spanning the golden age of air travel from the 1950s to the 1970s, the exhibition showcases iconic suits, skirts, caps, and go-go boots, while tracing the evolution of these fashions into today’s more refined, neoclassical styles.

Above: Marge Marques (left) and Zonia Arauzo (right) model Hughes Airwest flight attendant uniforms for a promotional photo shoot. Credit: The Museum of Flight Collection

Related story: Artistic legacy of Maison Schiaparelli at the V&A

The display highlights individual flight attendants through personal stories, photographs, and uniforms. Visitors learn about pioneers such as United Airlines’ first Black flight attendant, as well as one of Continental Airlines’ first male stewards, who recalled having to keep smiling in 1978 as passengers struggled to understand the idea of a man in the role.

It also explores how airlines turned uniforms into a branding tool. As flight attendants became the public face of commercial air travel, carriers enlisted celebrated designers from New York, Paris, Milan, and Hollywood to create memorable looks that made in-flight service feel distinctive and aspirational.

Many designers embraced the bold spirit of their era

Some uniforms were elegant and restrained; others fully embraced the bold spirit of their era. Designers including Jean Louis, Roxane of New York, Mario Armond Zamparelli, Valentino, Emilio Pucci, and Edith Head left their mark on everything from dresses to accessories, using innovative fabrics, mod silhouettes, and vibrant colours to help airlines stand apart.

The Runway to Runway exhibition presents 13 uniforms from eight airlines, most of them designer pieces from the 1960s and 1970s. Standout ensembles include Emilio Pucci’s mod pink Braniff International Airways design from 1971, complete with a coordinated dress, pants, and umbrella, and the bright yellow-and-blue Hughes Airwest uniform from the early 1970s, featuring a dramatic cape, a princess-cut dress, and knee-high yellow go-go boots. Also on display is United Airlines’ iconic 1968 uniform, designed by Jean Louis and known as “The Skimmer.”

Strict appearance standards for flight attendants

Accessories are given their due as well, with bags, purses, scarves, and headwear rounding out the display. These pieces showcase the work of designers such as Mario Armond Zamparelli for Hughes Airwest in the 1970s and Emilio Pucci’s boldly patterned accessories for Braniff International Airways from 1966 to 1971.

One of the most memorable items in the exhibition is the vintage poster Success Factors for ’63, which outlines the strict appearance standards for Trans World Airlines (TWA) flight attendants. These standards cover everything from the correct way to wear makeup and the proper hairstyle to skirt length, a firm, fitted girdle, and the use of black wrist-length gloves, both on and off the plane.

Runway to Runway is on display at the Seattle Museum of Flight until January 18, 2027.

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Produced by the Chef’s Table Society of BC (CTS) in collaboration with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen’s Association (PPFA), this cherished coastal tradition has been a Vancouver favourite since 2006. The festival kicks off the much-awaited BC spot prawn season, bringing together chefs, fishers, and food enthusiasts to celebrate one of the province’s most iconic and sustainable seafoods.

Related story: Harry’s Cafe de Wheels

This year, they warmly invite Vancouverites to support our local fishers during the Spot Prawn festival, especially as they navigate uncertain times caused by foreign tariffs. With export demand and prices declining, our harvesters and the coastal community are feeling the financial strain. Let’s come together to show our support and appreciation for their hard work.

Eat more prawns

We must all step up to support the local people who power the industry and bolster domestic demand. Eat more spot prawns. Our future depends on this effort. 

You have three ways to support the fishers at the Spot Prawn Festival:

Back by popular demand, Chefs’ Table Society will serve up a Prawn & Seafood Chowder. Tickets for the chowder with a freshly baked bun are $12 per bowl (plus tax and service), and you can take it to go!

No long waits

Choose to enjoy your Prawn Seafood Chowder in one of the following time slots:
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
The time clearly indicated on your ticket should be respected. Please note that arriving early will not grant earlier access, and arriving late may result in a longer wait.

Live Demo Stage on the dock (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Join talented chefs for 30-minute cooking demonstrations as they share tips, techniques, and inspiration for cooking with BC Spot Prawns.

Spot Prawn Festival Brunch
Excited about attending the weekend brunch featuring a tasting menu with six delicious spot prawn dishes that showcase the many ways this delicacy can be enjoyed. Dishes will be prepared by some of BC’s finest chefs—a great way to sample a variety of creations and connect with the chefs as you move between food stations, while enjoying samples of BC wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages. A sweet treat will be served as well.

Participating chefs and restaurants include:
Ben Kiely, PICAchef
Bobby Milheron, Maxine’s Café and Bar
Christopher Janowski, Sunflower Café
David Lee, Vancouver Aquarium
Jay Park, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Jitin Kapoor, Glowbal
Kailash Chandra, Sula Indian Restaurant
Lina Caschetto, Say Hey Cafe
Malindi Taylor & Alex Guido, Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Raimund Heuser, Blue Water Café
Steve Kuan, Torafuku
Tyler Prevette, Folietta Ristorante & Bar
Ysmael Media/Catalino III Javier, Halina Modern Filipino Kitchen + Bar

Chef’s Table Society

Each year, the Spot Prawn festival helps build domestic appreciation for BC Spot Prawns while raising vital funds for CTS programs, including culinary scholarships, mentorship, and sustainability initiatives. It also supports The Commons by CTS—a dynamic new culinary hub in Vancouver dedicated to preserving BC’s rich food heritage while fostering education, industry connections, and the next generation of culinary talent.

Event Details
Event: Spot Prawn Festival 2026
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Venue: False Creek Fishermen’s Wharf 
Host: Chefs’ Table Society
Tickets & Information: Chef’s Table Society

All photos courtesy of Chef’s Table Society of BC.

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For visitors of the V&A, the exhibition outlines Maison Schiaparelli’s history, starting with its first fashion pieces and continuing to its current form under creative director Daniel Roseberry. 

Above photo: Ariana Grande’s 2025 Oscars ball gown on display at the V&A. Photo: David Parry/PA Media Assignments.

Related story: Bold Sunglasses for Spring 2026

The exhibition showcases recent research by art and fashion curators, highlighting Elsa Schiaparelli as a pioneering figure in fashion, art, and performance across Paris, London, and New York between the two wars. 

It highlights her entrepreneurial history and her celebrated yet rarely seen creations. The exhibition is the first to showcase the London branch of Schiaparelli, its independent clientele, and the founder’s involvement.

Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art comprises more than 400 objects, including 100 ensembles and 50 artworks, along with accessories, jewellery, paintings, photographs, furniture, perfumes, and archival material. 

Highlights on display include the 1938 Skeleton dress, the only known surviving example (part of the V&A’s permanent collection), the 1938 Tears Dress, and a hat resembling an upside-down shoe, all conceived in collaboration with artist Salvador Dalí. 

Artworks by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, and Eileen Agar are also on display, along with several of Schiaparelli’s designs for film and theatre. 

Daniel Roseberry’s spectacular creations—including looks worn by Ariana Grande and Dua Lipa—bring the exhibition to a dramatic close.

Schiaparelli’s couture house revolutionized style standards and redefined modern beauty. Today, from its original location at 21 Place Vendôme in Paris, creative director Daniel Roseberry guides the renowned Maison into a new era, producing a body of work that influences and inspires fashion culture worldwide.

Don’t miss the fabulous V&A’s Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art exhibition, running from March 28 to November 8, 2026! It’s a wonderful opportunity to visit London and experience fashion as art.

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Related story: The MiG-21 Project: Artistic transformation

In mid-March, I arrived at Athens (ATH) airport, where I encountered a long line to reach the customs kiosks. My wait lasted nearly two hours, to the point that my car service driver left the airport without me. The reason was the limited number of available custom kiosks, as new EES machines and gates had been installed in the arrival hall but were not yet operational.

Two weeks later, when I departed Munich (MUC) airport, I encountered large crowds trying to check out of the EU. Again, brand-new EES machines in the room stood idle. 

Passengers around me were upset about the delay, and the staff couldn’t explain why the new machines weren’t working. 

Biometric Processing Challenges

We were told to line up for the self-service biometric kiosks to scan our passports, have our photos taken, and provide fingerprint scans. I was not asked to scan my fingerprints at the self-service machine, whereas other travellers were. 

I then waited in a second line for customs officials, who seemed to repeat the same process. The officer scanned my passport and then asked for my fingerprints. Do the new self-service machines work properly?

Impacting travel well beyond the EU

With a one-and-a-half-hour layover, I reached my gate five minutes before departure. The Lufthansa captain delayed our departure by 20 minutes due to the new EU EES chaos. This caused a delay in arriving in Vancouver, affecting connecting passengers and, consequently, impacting travel well beyond the EU.

The EU EES is a biometric border program that has been gradually deployed across the 29-country Schengen Area since October 2025 and is scheduled for full implementation by April 10.

Canadian passport holders can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo of your face) will be stored for three years. If you return to the Schengen area within that time, you will not have to provide your information again. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your planned departure date. The EES will also monitor overstays and entry refusals.

Wait times have reached five or more hours

From my visit, I learned that one challenge for travellers is that they cannot enter their biometric details before arriving. Additionally, there is no separate line for passport holders who are already registered with EES. It’s just one long line for everyone.

According to a BBC news report last March, the Airport Council International (ACI), which represents over 600 airports and facilities, reported that border processing times at airports with active EES checks have increased by up to 70%. Peak period waits reached three hours in Geneva (GVA) earlier this year. Lisbon (LIS) Airport suspended the system entirely in December after wait times reached five or more hours, causing passengers to miss their flights.

Tips for navigating EU EES chaos 

• Allow extra time, especially when flying into major European hubs.
• Know the rules: even if already registered, expect to join the same EES line as others.
• Choose longer layovers: while airlines recommend one-and-a-half hours, plan for at least three hours during the summer.
• Stay informed by checking with airlines and airports for real-time updates on queues and delays before arrival.
• Travel during the off-season; EES operations are expected to improve after full rollout. Avoid August travel if possible.
• If you hold an EU passport, use it to bypass EES entirely.

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The spring and summer collections for 2026 showcase a cheerful, optimistic vibe, highlighted by vibrant colours in clothing. Accessories, especially sunglasses, play an important role in expressing this trend, making them must-have items for those eager to showcase their personality.

Related story: Pantone colour of 2026: Cloud Dancer

Oversized and dramatic designs

Giant, dramatic sunglasses have made a strong comeback. Black spectacles with bold frames are among the most fashionable choices this season. Designers like Michael Kors have incorporated these striking accessories into their runways, highlighting their significance in contemporary style.

When it comes to 2026 sunglasses trends, bigger is better. This look, popularized by celebrities and dominating runways from Saint Laurent and Balmain to Zimmermann, offers a quick way to add flair to your outfit. Oversized shades are an essential accessory for anyone seeking to make a fashion statement.

Retro inspirations: Vintage silhouettes

Oversized 70s-inspired silhouettes are popular now, bringing to mind the glamour of jet-set travel and sunny coastlines. These vintage shapes pair well with flowing fabric beach cover-ups for women and relaxed tailoring for men, embracing the concept of quiet luxury.

The sharp cat-eye style is experiencing a revival in 2026, reimagined with cleaner lines and more refined angles. This fresh approach aims to project confidence and add structure to softer spring ensembles.

Rounded acetate frames pay homage to mid-century modern design, appealing to creatives. These intellectual and artistic shapes complement neutral colour palettes and soft textures, resulting in a grounded yet stylish look.

Tortoiseshell and muted neutral sunglasses remain popular, featuring warm browns, honey tones, and soft champagne hues. These classic colours add elegance and subtle sophistication to the wearer’s overall look.

Fashion and lifestyle connection

Bold sunglasses frames for Spring 2026 are closely linked to lifestyle. The return of vintage sunglasses is not just about fashion; it underscores themes of luxury travel, leisure, and carefully curated moments, highlighting the role of accessories in shaping personal style.

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Against the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the Dolomites in northern Italy, the opening ceremonies at the Milano San Siro Stadium will unite athletes, spectators, and dignitaries from around the world to honour diversity, sportsmanship, and the Olympic spirit. 

Related story: Pantone Colour of 2026: Cloud Dancer

Fashion on the world stage

With Italian design heritage and major luxury fashion brands supporting their national teams, the six Olympic Villages, which will host around 2,900 athletes across the region, will be the place to be seen. Olympic team uniforms now appear appropriate on international fashion runways as well as on the podium.

As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics arrive in Europe’s snowy playground from February 6 to 22, the 116 events on the ice and on the slopes are becoming a major style showcase.

The Olympic team kits blend sporty and cultural styles, with opening-ceremony outfits reflecting national heritage. Many are designed by luxury fashion houses, including Ralph Lauren for Team USA, Emporio Armani for the Italian Team, and Ben Sherman for the British Team. 

Team Canada to take on the Games in performance and style

Watch for performance apparel from Lululemon, made for Team Canada and designed to excel on ice and at high altitudes, functional and stylish. 

Available for purchase at Lululemon, Team Canada jackets and accessories tell Canada’s story by drawing on the country’s landscapes and environment. They feature topographic map prints, bold maple leaf designs, and colours ranging from deep red to iceberg-inspired greens and blues.

Performance tailoring blends with modern silhouettes to create head-to-toe looks inspired by city style, using fabrics such as Merino Wool, Jacquard, and Translucent Glyde to elevate the Olympic & Paralympic uniform.

Lululemon’s Team Canada accessories are popular

The most popular Lululemon Team Canada items are accessories, especially scarves and toques, which are almost sold out.

Whether elaborate and symbolic or sleek and technical, each uniform is a symbol of national identity. For this year’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes, practicality is as important as appearance, if not more so.

Milano Cortina Opening Ceremonies

The opening ceremony features highlights including the parade of nations, artistic performances celebrating Italian heritage, and the much-anticipated lighting of the Olympic cauldron. 

The 2026 Milano Cortina Opening Ceremonies are scheduled to be broadcast live on CBC on Friday, February 6^th, at 10:30 AM PST. 

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Related story: EFWA Indonesia: Buya Subi Project

Like a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer symbolizes our yearning for a fresh start. Letting go of old, limiting thought patterns creates space for new ideas to grow. Cloud Dancer’s calming effect soothes the mind, encouraging real relaxation and focus. When the mind is at ease, it can gently drift, allowing creativity to blossom and paving the way for exciting innovations.

One of this spring’s fashion trends is colour blocking. Usually, we associate spring fashion with soft florals and soothing pastels.

On the Paris runways, Loewe, Dior and Fendi were awash in rainbow-bright yellows, reds and greens, with some colour mixing for drama. But I have always found a woman in white attractive for breaking up any colour spectrum, regardless of the season. 

Since the industrial revolution, white serves as a conscious statement of luxury, whether worn as a classic button-down, T-shirt, or jeans, or in activewear and suiting.

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Rooted in the principles of sustainable fashion, the EFWA promotes slow, local production, recycling, and reuse. These values are deeply embedded in traditional craftmaking, honouring the long-standing practices of Indonesian artisans.

Above Designer: Heaven Tungga, Model: Charlize Parkinsonn, Photography: Alexis Rose Photography

Related story: EFWA Florence Edition

Goals and Objectives

“The EFWA Buya Subi Project aims to provide promotion, education, investment, and cultural awareness to rejuvenate traditional weaving in Donggala artisanal textiles, safeguarding their future,” said EFWA Founder and Director, Dr. Zuhal Kuvan-Mills. “The proliferation of cheap, fast-fashion textiles, such as polyester, poses environmental risks through toxic production and undermines the value of handmade textiles. The slow production rates of traditional crafts struggle to compete with fast fashion. Resulting in skilled artisans unable to pass down their expertise due to limited income opportunities from handmade fabrics.”

Significance of Donggala textiles

In Central Sulawesi, traditional textiles hold immense economic and cultural significance, fostering identity and community. Yet, like many local textile traditions, they face the risk of losing ancient knowledge and craftsmanship.

Traditional Donggala textiles are a vital part of Indonesian cultural traditions, closely tied to local customs, stories, and identities. To ensure the survival of these centuries-old crafts, it is crucial to establish supportive structures that protect artisans and highlight the relevance of their work in today’s society.

UNESCO Recognition and Sustainable Development

UNESCO has recognised traditional craftsmanship as an intangible heritage that requires protection and promotion under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Opportunities for sustainable livelihoods exist in cultural tourism, and the traditional craft sector plays a key role in achieving SDGs related to women’s empowerment, reducing inequality, increasing access to employment, and strengthening sustainable production and consumption.

EFWA Global Engagement

EFWA is a proud member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle Network, which champions transparent, inclusive, and transformative engagement among global stakeholders. The Network fosters cross-industry collaboration and partnerships with the United Nations system, accelerates innovation and knowledge exchange, and promotes members’ advancement of sustainable development through impactful solutions.

The EFWA Indonesia Buya Subi Project is set to showcase Donggala’s fabrics on global runways in 2026. More details will be provided as they become available.

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